Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/55101
WINNIPEG 12 Spectacular Parks and Outdoor Places ASSINIBOINE FOREST Comprising over 700 ac of urban oak and aspen forest, it is one of the largest urban nature parks of its kind in Canada. This multi-use park is home to a variety of species of flora and fauna. Interpretive signage identifies the 1 km paved Sagimay Trail leading to Eve Werier Pond, boardwalk and the six km woodchipped trail system. A section of the Trans-Canada Trail is along the south edge of the forest. Open year-round. Free admission. Guided tours available. location: Grant Ave. at Chalfont p: 204-986-7234 f: 204-986-7236 e: prairie@winnipeg.ca w: www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ naturalist/ns/af/index.asp ASSINIBOINE PARK Assiniboine Park comprises 153.26 ha (403.43 ac) on the Assiniboine River. The park's highlight attraction is the Assiniboine Park Zoo, as well as the new Qualico Family Centre, expanded duck pond, Winnie-the-bear statue, walking and biking paths, a conservatory, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and a Tudor-style pavilion that is home to the Terrace 55 Restaurant and Pavilion Gallery Museum. The Lyric Theatre, the Mayors Grove, Citizens Hall of Fame, a French formal garden and English Garden are among the many pleasing sites. Facilities for tobogganing, cross-country skiing and ice-skating are available in the winter. Winnipeg's only cricket tournaments are played in the park. The park may be accessed from Portage Avenue, via a footbridge over the Assiniboine River. See ad inside front cover location: junction of Park Boulevard and Wellington Crescent w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b Assiniboine Park Conservatory offers 10 different displays a year in the Floral Display Gallery. The Palm House exhibits a tropical jungle with mature tropical trees and orchids. The Foyer features an amateur art gallery. The Star Conservatory Restaurant serves full meals and refreshments. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with extended summer hours to 8 p.m. Sundays and Mondays. Free admission. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b Assiniboine Park Zoo has a collection of over 390 species, 2,400 specimens housed in natural exhibits. The zoo specializes in animals found in cooler climates from around the world, as well as native North American species. Siberian tigers, snow leopards, bears, lynx, elk, bison and many other hardy species can be seen out-of-doors through the year. Large indoor facilities such as Toucan Ridge, the Kinsmen Discovery Centre, and others provide warm weather viewing of many tropical animals. Open daily except for Remembrance Day morning and Christmas Day. Admission charged. location: Assiniboine Park, 54 Zoo Dr. p: 204-927-6001 e: info@assiniboinepark.ca w: www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca b The English Garden opened in 1929 and has been restored to the informal English cottage garden style of its original design with pathways and a wide variety of plants. Open early May to the end of September. w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b Nature Playground – Assiniboine Park The Gardens of Assiniboine Park include the Formal Garden designed in 1907, the Herb Garden, the Garden of Life, the Flats Daylily Garden and Daylily Walk, the V.O.N. Victoria Cutting Garden and the Lily Garden. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is the only sculpture garden in North America dedicated to the works of a single artist. The gardens and gallery feature bronze sculptures, porcelains, paintings and sketches by celebrated Winnipeg artist, Leo Mol. The gardens are also the home of the Leo Mol Schoolhouse Studio. The interior has been maintained intact complete with moulds and plaster casts of major works. It allows the visitor a glimpse of how a bronze sculpture is created. The public may view the National Film Board video, "Light and Shadow." One may purchase items relating to the work of Leo Mol at the gift shop. Audio tapes are available to visitors while touring the garden. Group tours may be booked. Grounds open daily from 7 a.m., Gallery and Studio open daily at 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. except Mondays, May long weekend to Labour Day. Free admission. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b The Lyric Theatre, an outdoor theatre built in the classic Tudor architectural style, showcases performances by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, jazz, ethnic bands and dancers, children's programs, and big band concerts throughout summer. Free admission. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b